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Smucker Statement on Congressional Delegation Trip to Israel

August 15, 2017

Press Release

Lancaster, Pa. – U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker released the following statement after he returned from a Congressional delegation trip to Israel:

“I just returned from a Congressional delegation trip to Israel with a group of colleagues to gain a firsthand understanding of the regional challenges and America’s relationship with Israel. As the only freely-elected democracy in the region, the American people view Israel as a kindred spirit. Our countries share a fundamental commitment to the rule of law and free peoples.

“We met with numerous experts and officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Hamdallah. The nation’s security is far and away the most important issue facing its citizens and parliament. I have a renewed commitment to supporting our decades-old friendship and strengthening our partnership to achieve peace in the region.

“It was also wonderful to experience thousands of years of history and to see places we read about in the Bible come alive.”

The trip was sponsored by the American Israel Educational Foundation (AIEF), the charitable organization affiliated with AIPAC. The trip was paid for by AIEF, which is privately funded by American citizens. No funding comes from the American taxpayer or the Israeli government.